North Korea fires long-range missile with potential to reach US mainland

North Korea test-fired a suspected new long-range missile on Thursday, targeting the area between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, which caused swift responses from the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

According to the news agency AP, the missile was launched from near Pyongyang around 7:10 am (local time) and flew for over an hour.

It reached an unprecedented altitude of more than 7,000 kilometers, marking the longest flight duration for a North Korean test, according to Japan’s defence minister Gen Nakatani.

South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff indicated the missile was likely a long-range ballistic type.

Experts suspect this test is part of North Korea's ongoing advancements in intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology, potentially aimed at reaching the US mainland.

This launch has triggered concerns as South Korea’s military recently reported that North Korea is close to testing an ICBM capable of US range and may have completed preparations for a seventh nuclear test.

In response, US national security council spokesperson Sean Savett condemned North Korea’s actions, calling them a violation of UN resolutions and a provocation that heightens regional tension.

Savett stressed the US commitment to securing the American homeland and supporting allies Japan and South Korea. Reports also suggest that the US may deploy strategic assets to the region for military drills as a precautionary measure.

This missile test comes amid reports that North Korea has been strengthening its cooperation with Russia.

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that North Korean troops, in Russian uniforms and using Russian equipment, are moving toward Ukraine. South Korea's intelligence agency has estimated that over 11,000 North Korean troops are now in Russia, with 3,000 stationed near active battle zones.

Observers worry that North Korea's increased support for Russia may lead to dangerous exchanges of technology and resources, potentially enhancing Pyongyang's missile program.